You are here: An investigation into the tangled web of the queer Dunedin dating scene

Posted 5:56pm Sunday 25th May 2025 by Via Hooks

Having been in ostensibly queer friend groups basically since arriving in Dunedin, I’ve observed that all of my friends (myself included) are, indeed, dating each other. But can I back this up with data?  Yes. My proposed hypothesis is the “Queer event horizon” - that Read more...

Red Flag Roundup

Posted 10:57pm Sunday 18th May 2025 by Critic Staff

I once had a guy ask me – completely deadpan – if the reason I didn’t want to date him anymore was because my parents didn’t love me enough as a child. No joke. That was his closer. And to be fair, it did close things. Safe to say, the almost-relationship ended right there, Read more...

The Green Solo Alternative

Posted 8:31pm Sunday 23rd February 2025 by Zoe Eckhoff

The Dunedin slander is something I’ve grown used to as one of the few Otago Uni students actually from here. I’m used to the complaints from outsiders and locals about this city and its apparent lack of interesting activities outside of getting pissed on Castle Street. With such a strong Read more...

Critic Bachelor: Trivial Pursuit (Of Joel)

Posted 4:47am Monday 16th September 2024 by Hanna Varrs

A hot new bombshell has entered the villa (Critic office)! Yes, you read that right – we’re stirring the pot. Keegan Wells (OUSA President) is joining the Critic Bachelor for a special guest appearance. Today, the remaining singles Micah, Brad, and Lily will be competing against Keegan Read more...

Critic Bachelor: Ice Skating Group Date

Posted 4:22pm Saturday 17th August 2024 by Hanna Varrs

This week on the Critic Bachelor, the next batch of singles in the second round have been sentenced to another freezing group date. But will romance warm their cold little hearts? Read on to find out! It’s 12pm on a Wednesday when Micah, Charlotte, Brad, and latecomer Amelia shuffle into Read more...

Debatable: Should You Date Your Flatmate?

Posted 11:29pm Saturday 10th August 2024 by Abby Bowmar

Debatable is a column written by the Otago University Debating Society. The Debating Society welcomes new members and meets at the Business School every Tuesday at 6pm. For: Abby Bowmar You enjoyed being single in first-year, when you were freshly eighteen and heating was free. But now Read more...

Critic Bachelor: Group Date - Peace Garden

Posted 11:35pm Saturday 10th August 2024 by Hanna Varrs

It’s 9am on a Friday when four of the remaining eight singles – Gabi, Lily, Olivia, and Jessica – are cruelly dragged out into the cold, ready to get their hands dirty in the Kia Ora/Peace Garden with some gardening and rock-painting.  It’s a more casual affair this Read more...

Critic Bachelor: First Group Date

Posted 2:17pm Sunday 4th August 2024 by Hanna Varrs

Initial Impressions It’s 6pm on the 26th of July when Joel approaches the Critic Te Ārohi office for the first group date. His eyes flick around nervously, adjusting his tie and shifting his weight from foot to foot. Navy blazer, pristine white shirt, coordinated trousers. He’s Read more...

Debatable: Should you date someone with opposing political views?

Posted 8:13pm Sunday 5th May 2024 by Otago University Debating Society

Debatable is a column written by the Otago University Debating Society. The Debating Society welcomes new members and meets at the Business School every Tuesday at 6pm. For When you’re in a relationship with someone, you don’t want to be the same person. Being the same person looks Read more...

ChatGOTH: Baby Gay

Posted 10:33am Monday 18th March 2024 by ChatGOTH

Hey ChatGOTH! I need advice. I’ve graduated from just being a bit bicurious to deciding that I’m definitely interested in dating other girls. Exciting, but also very scary! How do I go about doing that here? There are gay girls in Dunedin, right? Is it okay that I’m not Read more...